Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never
one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.
But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.
Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.
I’ve had this book in my TBR for a while, and when I had to be in the car for an extended period, I took advantage of the audio book. And I wonder why I waited so long to get to this fabulous novel.
Christian Coulson is an outstanding narrator and a perfect voice for Monty. Monty himself is a mess – narcissistic, oblivious, and generally a danger to himself and others with his actions, but he does it in such a charming way, you can’t help but go along with him. And Percy – such a sweet, gentle soul who deserves some sort of award for sticking by Monty for so long. Their Grand Tour is one dangerous situation after another, mostly due to Monty’s poor decisions, but an exciting, nerve-wracking adventure for the reader. He has so many quotable lines, I could fill a notebook with them.
This is an easy five stars for me, and I only regret it took me this long to read the novel. If you’re a fan of historical fiction with a heavy dose of humor and adventure, and brash, self-destructive MCs with a good heart, here it is. It’s a wildly entertaining ride.
Books and Such 
This book is literally sitting on my shelf shouting “read me! read me!” as write this. Keep seeing great reviews on it.
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I’d seen amazing reviews everywhere, and I finally downloaded the audiobook from the library. The narrator was so perfect for Monty’s voice, I’d almost recommend the audiobook over the book.
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Thanks, Teri. It sounds quirky enough for me to love it. Hugs!
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I enjoyed every minute of this one, Teagan. Hugs!
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This sounds most intriguing, Teri. Nice to know it is available as an audio book, I am rather partial to those.
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I’ve started listening to more audiobooks, Robbie – especially when I’m driving some distance alone like I have over the past couple of months and in the next few weeks. Hope you’ll give this one a try.
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Yes, I have added it. Even my audio book TBR is big now [smile]
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I’ve heard so much about this book, Teri, and seen it numerous times on “all-time favorites” lists. I’m going to have to pick it up. Thanks for the review and thee audiobook recommendation too. 🙂
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The narrator was outstanding, Diana. Other drivers around me probably thought I was crazy laughing so much and alone in the car.
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Now I have to get this book. Can’t wait!
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I’ve seen a lot of high ratings for this book. Glad you loved it too. I don’t read much LGBT, but need to change that. Thanks for sharing your excellent review, Teri. 👍
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This would be a great place to start, Jenn – so much fun. If you’re not into the historical aspect, What If It’s Us is a contemporary LGBT that I also enjoyed.
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Loved this book! You should definitely check out the sequel, The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy, as well. It’s all about Felicity, who is freaking awesome (and also possibly the best-written asexual character I’ve seen).
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Several friends in my bookclub loved The Lady’s Guide – I’ll have to add it to the TBR. Hopefully it won’t take me as long to get to it!
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Every 1 in 10 reviews I see is about this one. AND ALL OF THEM SAY THE SAME THING! xD i REALLYY NEED TO READ IT NOW. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! And as per your review, I am missing out on a great read by procrastinating about this one. Amazing review!
❤
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Thanks! Yes, you should get to this book ASAP – I enjoyed every word of it. Bow to the peer pressure!
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I am glad you loved it and that Monti charmed you! sadly he did not charm me as I found him so irresponsible …LOL
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He was definitely irresponsible, Sophie – also narcissictic and oblivious most of the time, but he sure gave me some laughs.
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I’ll keep on my mind what you said: that you’re sorry you didn’t read it sooner.
I remember everyone loved this novel when it came out, but then there were many mixed reviews for the sequel, so I never started the series.
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I didn’t read the sequel, but a few people in my book club did and they loved it. There’s a novella coming out soon featuring Monty and Percy, and believe me when I say I won’t wait so long to read it!
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